City solar panel project launched at McGregor Park

City solar panel project launched at McGregor Park

Toronto Hydro and the city have launched a joint “innovative project” that will see 10 city-owned buildings outfitted with more than 8,000 solar photovoltaic panels.

The program was officially kicked off Monday, Nov. 12, at Scarborough’s McGregor Park Community Centre, which will have 390 solar panels on its roof.

Jim Baxter, the city’s strategic initiatives director, said the “innovative project” will generate revenue for the city and reduce pressure on the city’s electrical grid while “reducing the city’s environmental footprint.”

The program will generate more than $16 million over 20 years through the sale of electricity.

“The panels will generate approximately 2,600 megawatt hours of electricity annually, which is roughly equivalent to the consumption of 215 households,” Baxter said.

“These installations will result in the reduction of approximately 480 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year. This project is a great illustration of how the City of Toronto continues to be a leader in sustainable energy and the environment.”

Solar panel installation at McGregor Park, at 2231 Lawrence Ave. E., began in September and will be completed next month. The construction will have no impact on programming. The McGregor project costs $540,000 but will generate $75,000 per year.